I don't give either the Indiana Pacers or San Antonio Spurs much of a shot to beat the defending NBA champion Miami Heat. But if they do have a chance, the Pacers are going to need more of the competitive fizz exhibited here by center Roy Hibbert.

How refreshing to see something other than the blasé nod-and-drone response after a big win. The Pacers had just fought off what certainly looked like a killing Heat rally that would have put a lock on the Eastern Conference finals. Instead, Indiana's 99-92 home win knotted the series at 2-2 as it travels back to south Florida on Friday. Hibbert was the prime reason. His 25 points and 12 boards was an eye-opener from a guy who's always shown potential but put something more out there last night.

And then when the goofy Craig Sager stuck a mike in his face moments afterward, the former Georgetown star bubbled up like a college kid:

“We're here. People are counting us out. But we're not going anywhere!”

When Sager steered the conversation toward a visit by his old Georgetown coach John Thompson III, Hibbert even found a way to yank it back to defiance toward LeBron, Dwyane and the champs:

“Go Hoyas! Go Pacers! We're not going anywhere. We're going back down there to Miami to go out and fight again!”

Easy there, big fella. Just make certain Paul George and Lance Stephenson are onboard before you get all rah-rah with the Heat. You might need 'em.

Related Stories

Featured Story

Get 'Today's Front Page' in your inbox

This newsletter is sent every morning at 6 a.m. and includes the morning's top stories, a full list of obituaries, links to comics and puzzles and the most recent news, sports and entertainment headlines.

optionalCheck here if you do not want to receive additional email offers and information.See our privacy policy

Thank you for signing up for 'Today's Front Page'

To view and subscribe to any of our other newsletters, please click here.